For nearly 25 years, I’ve made a career out of helping students navigate their road to college. From test prep to pre-college summer programs to admissions counseling, I have seen firsthand how the right support can transform uncertainty into confidence and turn dreams into acceptances.

While the college search process is an exciting time for your child, the financial aspect may leave you feeling stressed and anxious. It’s crucial to discuss college costs and budgeting openly and honestly with your college-bound child early in the process. This ensures everyone in the family is on the same page financially and helps your student feel confident and supported in their educational choices.

Scholarships are a win-win: students can help reduce the costs associated with attending college while also adding to their resumes. As a bonus, the vast array of scholarship options means there is truly an opportunity for every student. However, it can be challenging to know where to find the right scholarships, and the process of applying for them on top of your college applications can seem daunting.  

While the application process will vary depending on the scholarship you are pursuing, there are some tried-and-true tips that can help students stand out from the pack. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to craft a compelling scholarship application. 

In addition to navigating the college admissions cycle, students and families need to prepare for the cost of college and understand the financial aid process. Applying for financial aid is a multi-step process, and the financial aspect of college life can be significant. So, it’s worth learning as much as you can about different financial aid programs.

For most students, financial aid is an important part of the college admissions process. You will likely complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is useful for receiving need-based financial aid, but that isn’t your only option. There are countless merit scholarships available if you take the time to seek them out.  

Let’s look at how to find and apply for merit scholarships.  

Figuring out the college admissions and financial aid processes can be stressful and complicated for both students and parents. It can be especially difficult if you’re afraid your financial situation puts a college education out of reach. After all, some schools take financial aid needs into consideration when evaluating applicants.

However, many colleges offer “need-blind” admissions that give students from all economic backgrounds a chance to further their education. In this article, we’ll explore what need-blind admissions means and how it may impact your chances of admission.

By Nat, IvyWise Admissions Counselor

If you are one of my beloved students whom I work with individually, you are very familiar with my enrollment management style of counseling. I’ve presented my hypothetical “rubric” model to you, which I first shared at a college fair night at a public NYC high school to rave reviews. My students are familiar with institutional priorities and how classes are assembled.

In addition to navigating the college admissions cycle, students and families need to prepare for the costs of college and understand the financial aid process. Much like admissions, there are a few steps that go into applying for financial aid, and it’s important that students understand every component of the process.